The New Yellow Ribbon TraditionSpan: 1981, 1991English
web presentation
Wearing and otherwise displaying ribbons of various colors to remember loved ones far away or to identify with a particular cause is a contemporary custom that has roots in both popular culture and folk tradition. These origins are explored in two articles by the late Gerald E. Parsons Jr., folklorist and reference librarian at the American Folklife Center. The 1981 article was written in response to many queries about displays of ribbons during the Iran hostage crisis in 1979. Over a decade later, during the Gulf War, these questions arose again, and gave rise to a second article. An audio recording from 1939 and a 19th-century song sheet are provided as examples.2 articles, 1 sound recording, 1 song sheetAmerican Folklife Center, Library of CongressYellow Ribbon TraditionHistory and commentary on the tradition of wearing and displaying ribbons to remember loved ones far away.Certain restrictions to use or copying of materials may apply.Folk MusicPerforming Arts EncyclopediascdbAmerican Folklife Center, Library of Congresshttp://www.loc.gov/folklife/ribbons/index.htmlIHAS120821loc.natlib.scdb.200033717